Page:Meditations For Every Day In The Year.djvu/486

 who reject  the  banquet  of  this  Heavenly  King  and  adhere to  vile  and  transitory  pursuits,  particularly  when they reflect  that,  by  acting  otherwise,  they  may  pass  from the Church  militant  on  earth  to  the  triumphant  Church  in heaven. Take care  that  you  yourself  be  not  entangled in the  snares  of  this  world,  lest  you  be  shut  out  from  the heavenly banquet. " Blessed  is  he  that  shall  eat  bread in  the  kingdom  of  God." (Luke xiv.  15.)  Aspire  with all your  soul  to  the  enjoyment  of  this  happiness.

I. "  Go  out  quickly  into  the  streets  and  lanes  of  the city,  and  bring  in  hither  the  poor,  and  the  feeble,  and the  blind,  and  the  lame." (Luke xiv.  21.)  The  mercy of God  is  not  diminished  by  the  wretchedness  or  ingratitude of  mankind. He provides  other  guests  to  take the places  of  those  who  were  invited. Instead of  the rich and  voluptuous,  who  excuse  themselves,  He  calls the poor  and  the  feeble,  that  is,  those  who  are  free  from earthly cares  and  impediments. He even  compels  them to enter,  making  use  of  afflictions  and  tribulations  as  so many  scourges,  by  which  He  drives  them  into  His  banquet. Admire the  mercies  and  goodness  of  God,  and beg of  Him  with  the  Church,  "to  bend  your  rebellious will  towards  Himself."

II. " And  the  king  went  to  see  the  guests,  and  he  saw there  a  man  who  had  not  on  a  wedding  garment." (Matt. xxii.  11.)  This  wedding  garment  is  charity  or the  grace  of  God,  without  which  no  one  must  presume to approach  the  holy  sacraments. Reflect how  God